Key role of CYP17A1 in Leydig cell function and testicular development in Qianbei Ma goats.

Reproductive traits are vital economic parameters in goat production, and boosting the reproductive capacity of breeding rams is crucial for enhancing the profitability of goat farming. Currently, research on the reproductive performance of Qianbei Ma goats mainly centers on investigating mechanisms associated with prolificacy and estrous ovulation in ewes, with limited emphasis on ram reproductive aspects. This study used scanning electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to profile the morphology of testis and the dynamic changes of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Testosterone (T) in serum at different developmental stages of Qianbei Ma goats. Meanwhile, transcriptome sequencing technology was used to investigate the mRNA expression patterns in testicular tissues at different developmental stages: newborn (0 M), puberty (6 M), sexual maturity (12 M), and physical maturity (18 M). The results showed that the diameter, circumference, and area of the testicular seminiferous tubules gradually increased with age. The levels of T and LH in serum significantly increased from 0 to 6 months after birth (p < 0.05), followed by a stabilization of T levels and a significant decrease in LH levels (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, FSH shows a decreasing trend between 0 and 18 months after birth. A total of 26,437 differentially expressed genes were identified in 6 comparison groups, which involve various biological processes such as immunity, growth, metabolism, development, and reproduction, and are significantly enriched in signaling pathways related to testicular development and spermatogenesis. WGCNA analysis identified 6 regions significantly associated with testicular development and spermatogenesis, and selected 320 genes for constructing a PPI network. Ten candidate genes related to testicular development and spermatogenesis were identified, including TP53, PLK4, RPS9, PFN4, ACTB, CYP17A1, GPX4, CLDN1, AMH and DHH. Of these, the CYP17A1 gene promotes interstitial cell proliferation, and promotes T synthesis. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for promoting efficient breeding of goats and early breeding of excellent male goats.

Silencing of circRPPH1 Inhibits the Progression of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Through miR-326/ERBB4 Signal Axis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the recurrence and progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of a novel circRNA (circRPPH1) in NSCLC. Localization of circRPPH1 was determined via FISH assay, while cell proliferation was assessed via CCK8 and colony formation assay. Cell migration and invasion were studied using transwell assay, while binding sites between miR-326 and circRPPH1 or ERBB4 were verified by luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull-down assays. Moreover, xenograft assay was performed to verify the in vivo roles of circRPPH1. Results indicated that circRPPH1 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells, where circRPPH1 levels were predictive of poor prognosis. The malignant behavior of NSCLC cells was exacerbated by overexpressing circRPPH1, while opposite effects were observed when it was knocked down. Direct interaction between miR-326 and circRPPH1 or ERBB4 was confirmed in NSCLC cells, while rescue experiment results showed that circRPPH1 exerted an oncogenic role via miR-326-ERBB4 signal axis. Moreover, in vitro, growth of NSCLC cells was significantly attenuated following circRPPH1 depletion. The study concluded that circRPPH1 was involved in promoting NSCLC progression via the miR-326/ERBB4 axis, which provided a novel potential target for the diagnosis or treatment of NSCLC.

Detachable MOF-Based Core/Shell Nanoreactor for Cancer Dual-Starvation Therapy With Reversing Glucose and Glutamine Metabolisms.

Tumor-dependent glucose and glutamine metabolisms are essential for maintaining survival, while the accordingly metabolic suppressive therapy is limited by the compensatory metabolism and inefficient delivery efficiency. Herein, a functional metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanosystem composed of the weakly acidic tumor microenvironment-activated detachable shell and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive disassembled MOF nanoreactor core is designed to co-load glycolysis and glutamine metabolism inhibitors glucose oxidase (GOD) and bis-2-(5-phenylacetmido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) ethyl sulfide (BPTES) for tumor dual-starvation therapy. The nanosystem excitingly improves tumor penetration and cellular uptake efficiency via integrating the pH-responsive size reduction and charge reversal and ROS-sensitive MOF disintegration and drug release strategy. Furthermore, the degradation of MOF and cargoes release can be self-amplified via additional self-generation H2 O2 mediated by GOD. Last, the released GOD and BPTES collaboratively cut off the energy supply of tumors and induce significant mitochondrial damage and cell cycle arrest via simultaneous restriction of glycolysis and compensatory glutamine metabolism pathways, consequently realizing the remarkable triple negative breast cancer killing effect in vivo with good biosafety via the dual starvation therapy.

Inhibition of ERK downregulates autophagy via mitigating mitochondrial fragmentation to protect SH-SY5Y cells from OGD/R injury.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is the main cause leading to high mortality and neurological disability in patients with cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR). Our previous study found that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1)/Mitofusin2 (Mfn2)-dependent mitochondrial dynamics imbalance, and excessive autophagy were involved in the mechanism of nerve injury after CA/CPR. However, the specific pathological signaling pathway is still unknown. This study aimed to explore the molecular function changes of ERK-Drp1/Mfn2-autophagy signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cell oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model, to further clarify the pathophysiological mechanism of CIRI, and to provide a new strategy for cerebral protection after CIRI. METHODS: SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with drugs 24 h before OGD/R. The Drp1 and Mfn2 knockdown were adopted small interfering RNAs. The overexpression of p-Drp1S616 and Mfn2 were used recombinant plasmids. The expression levels of mitochondrial dynamics proteins (p-Drp1, Drp1, Mfn2, Mfn1 and Opa1) and autophagy markers (LC3, Beclin1 and p62) were measured with the Western blotting. The mRNA levels after transfection were determined by PCR. Cell injury and viability were evaluated with released LDH activity and CCK8 assay kits. Mitochondria morphology and autophagosome were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial function was detected by the mitochondrial permeability transition pore assay kit. The co-expression of p-ERK, p-Drp1 and LC3 was assessed with multiple immunofluorescences. One-way analysis of variance followed by least significance difference post hoc analysis (for equal homogeneity) or Dunnett's T3 test (for unequal homogeneity) were used for statistical tests. RESULTS: ERK inhibitor-PD98059 (PD) protects SH-SY5Y cells from OGD/R-induced injury; while ERK activator-TPA had the opposite effect. Similar to autophagy inhibitor 3-MA, PD downregulated autophagy to improve cell viability; while autophagy activator-rapamycin further aggravated cell death. PD and Drp1-knockdown synergistically attenuated OGD/R-induced Drp1 activation, mPTP opening and cell injury; overexpression of Drp1S616E or ablating Mfn2 partly abolished the protective effects of PD. Multiple immunofluorescences showed that p-ERK, p-Drp1 and LC3 were co-expressed. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of ERK downregulates autophagy via reducing Drp1/Mfn2-dependent mitochondrial fragmentation to antagonize mitochondrial dysfunction and promotes cell survival in the SH-SY5Y cells OGD/R model. Video Abstract.

Mindfulness exercises reduce death anxiety and burnout in intensive care nurses.

Intensive care units (ICUs) nurses experience a high level of death anxiety. Interventions that reduce death anxiety are needed. We conducted a nonrandomized study with 66 ICU nurses. The 34 in the intervention group received an 8-week tailored mindfulness-based intervention and the 32 in the control group received no intervention. Both groups completed pre and post-tests of death anxiety and burnout. At post-test, the levels of death anxiety and job burnout in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group. Mindfulness-based intervention can reduce the death anxiety level and burnout of ICU nurses.

Emotion Management for College Students: Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Emotion Management Intervention on Emotional Regulation and Resilience of College Students.

ABSTRACT: The discovery of psychological healing methods that are easy to master and can be developed by the individual as a means of improving students' self-psychological adjustment ability is of great practical value. This study is a randomized control trial intended to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based emotion management interventions and to test their effects on the mood state and resilience of college students. A total of 72 students were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. Thirty-six students in the intervention group received a modified mindfulness-based emotion management intervention once per week for 4 weeks, with each intervention having a duration of 80 minutes. Participants were assessed by questionnaires to measure mindfulness level, emotion, and resilience before and after intervention. There were significant interaction effects on mindfulness level (F = 97.76, p < 0.00), mood state (F = 353.52, p < 0.00), and resilience (F = 178.99, p < 0.00) scores. A modified 4-week mindfulness-based emotion management intervention can improve the mindfulness level and resilience of college students and is an innovative and feasible strategy for enhancing mental health in college students.

Near-Infrared Light-Activatable Dual-Action Nanoparticle Combats the Established Biofilms of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Its Accompanying Inflammation.

Clinically, inhibition of both bacterial infection and excessive inflammation is a crucial step for improved wound treatments. Herein, the fabrication of near-infrared-light (NIR)-activatable deoxyribonuclease (DNase)-carbon monoxide (CO)@mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (MPDA NPs) is demonstrated for efficient elimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms and the following anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, thermosensitive CO-gas-releasing donors (CO releasing molecules, FeCO) are first encapsulated into MPDA NPs, followed by covalently immobilizing deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) on the surfaces of MPDA NPs. DNase I can degrade the extracellular DNA in biofilms, which site specifically destroys the compactness of the biofilms. With NIR irradiation, DNase-CO@MPDA NPs display great photothermal ability, and further trigger on-demand delivery of bactericidal CO gas that can adequately permeate the impaired biofilms. Eventually, they achieve effective MRSA biofilm elimination in virtue of the synergistic effects of both DNase I participation and CO-gas-potentiated photothermal therapy. Importantly, the inflammatory responses of DNase-CO@MPDA NPs and NIR-treated wounds are simultaneously alleviated owing to the anti-inflammatory features of released CO. Finally, NIR-activatable DNase-CO@MPDA NPs accelerate the healing process of MRSA-biofilm-infected cutaneous wounds. Taken together, this phototherapeutic strategy displays great therapeutic potential in treating the formidable clinical problems caused by MRSA biofilms and the accompanying inflammation.

Calcium Peroxide Nanoparticles-Embedded Coatings on Anti-Inflammatory TiO2 Nanotubes for Bacteria Elimination and Inflammatory Environment Amelioration.

Implant-associated bacterial infections significantly impair the integration between titanium and soft tissues. Traditional antibacterial modifications of titanium implants are able to eliminate bacteria, but the resulting pro-inflammatory reactions are usually ignored, which still poses potential risks to human bodies. Here, a dual drug-loading system on titanium has been developed via the adhesion of a catechol motif-modified methacrylated gelatin hydrogel onto TiO2 nanotubes. Then synthesized CaO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are embedded into the hydrogel, and interleukin-4 (IL-4) is loaded into the nanotubes to achieve both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The dual drug-loading system can eliminate Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) rapidly, attributed to the H2 O2 release from CaO2 NPs. The potential cytotoxicity of CaO2 NPs is also remarkably reduced after being embedded into the hydrogel. More importantly, with the gradual release of IL-4, the dual drug-loading system is capable of modulating pro-inflammatory reactions by inducing M2 phenotype polarization of macrophages. In a subcutaneous infection model, the S. aureus contamination is effectively resolved after 2 days, and the resulting pro-inflammatory reactions are also inhibited after 7 days. Finally, the damaged tissue is significantly recovered. Taken together, the dual drug-loading system exhibits great therapeutic potential in effectively killing pathogens and inhibiting the resulting pro-inflammatory reactions.

A 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: CT-Urography combined with 3D printing technology, digital design, construction of individualized PCNL puncture guides, and preliminary analyze their efficacy, safety puncture positioning for PCNL. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with renal calculi were randomly selected at the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University during 2017-2018. We randomly divided the patients into two groups: in 10 experimental groups, we used our 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate for PCNL, and in the control group, 12 patients with standard USG guide PCNL. The accuracy of puncture position, puncture time, and intraoperative blood loss was compared. RESULTS: In the experimental group, 10 patients with 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate. The puncture needle was accessed through the guide plate and verified by the color Doppler. The single puncture, needle position, and depth success rate were 100.00% (10/10). The angles were consistent with the preoperative design. In the control group, 12 patients via USG guided PCNL success rate was 75.00% (9/12). The puncture time and amount of hemorrhage was (7.78 ± 0.94) min and (49.31 ± 6.43) mL, and (9.04 ± 1.09) min and (60.08 ± 12.18) mL, respectively. The above data of the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D printing personalized percutaneous nephrolithotomy guide plate for PCNL can improve PCNL renal puncture channel positioning accuracy, shorten puncture time, reduce intraoperative blood loss, bleeding-related complications and provide a new method for PCNL renal puncture positioning, which is worthy of further clinical exploration.

Discovery of quality control ingredients in burdock root by combining anti-tumor effects and UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS.

Burdock root is the root of Arctium lappa L., a plant of the Compositae family, which has the effects of dispersing wind and heat, detoxifying and reducing swelling. In order to better control the quality of burdock root, a screening study of quality control indicators was carried out. The current research combines biological activity evaluation with chemical analysis to screen and identify the biologically active compounds of burdock root as chemical components for the quality control of herbal medicine. The efficacy of 10 batches of ethanol extracts of burdock roots was evaluated by a tumor inhibition experiment in S180 tumor-bearing mice. The five main chemical components of these extracts were simultaneously quantitatively measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Pearson correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between these extracts' biological activity and chemical properties. The results showed that chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and cynarin were positively correlated with the effect of inhibiting tumor growth, and further bioassays confirmed this conclusion. In conclusion, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and cynarin can be used as quality control markers for burdock root's antitumor effect.

Level, source, and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in agricultural soils of Tanzania.

This study investigated the level, composition, and spatial and vertical distribution of the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) at 0-2 cm and 2-20 cm in the agricultural surface soils from Southeastern to Central-western Tanzania. Although the most abundant OCPs were DDT with a mean concentration of 2.29 ng/g, dieldrin (1.57 ng/g), and methoxychlor (0.79 ng/g), HCH was the most dominant (with detection frequency of 88%). OCP dominance was in the Southern Highlands, which is the most productive agricultural zone. Though there were indicators of recent inputs for some sites, OCP contamination was mainly historical. DDT contamination was dominated by p,p'-DDE and resulted from both technical DDT and dicofol while HCH contamination was dominated by γ-HCH and resulted from both technical HCH and lindane. Based on depth, the OCPs dominated mainly the upper 2 cm, which was associated with soil and environmental factors rather than recent inputs since most of the detected compounds were historical. Nevertheless, some sites showed exceptional high abundance in the lower soil with more concentration of parent compounds. Therefore, this study recommends the need for further studies on the influence of soil properties on OCPs' transport in the soil, surface water, and air. Besides, detection of recent inputs at some sites calls for more mapping of the OCPs in the country to strengthen their control and prevention of future risks.

Influence of extending expansive open-door laminoplasty to C1 and C2 on cervical sagittal parameters.

BACKGROUND: For patients with spinal canal stenosis in the upper cervical spine who undergo C3-7 laminoplasty alone, it remains impossible to achieve full decompression due to its limited range. This study explores the extension of expansive open-door laminoplasty (EODL) to C1 and C2 for the treatment of cervical spinal stenosis of the upper cervical spine and its effects on cervical sagittal parameters. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 33 patients presenting with symptoms of cervical spondylosis myelopathy (CSM) and ossification in the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the upper cervical spine from February 2013 to December 2015 was performed. Furthermore, the changes in the C0-2 Cobb angle, C1-2 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, and T1-Slope in lateral X-rays of the cervical spine were measured before, immediately after, and 1 year after the operation. JOA and NDI scores were used to evaluate spinal cord function. RESULTS: The C0-2 and C1-2 Cobb angles did not significantly increase (P = 0.190 and P = 0.081), but the C2-7 Cobb angle (P = 0.001), C2-7 SVA (P < 0.001), and T1-Slope (P < 0.001) significantly increased from preoperative to 1 year postoperative. In addition, C2-7 SVA was significantly correlated with the T1-Slope (Pearson = 0.376, P < 0.001) and C0-2 Cobb angle (Pearson = 0.287, P = 0.004), and the C2-7 SVA was negatively correlated with the C2-7 Cobb angle (Pearson = - 0.295, P < 0.001). The average preoperative and postoperative JOA scores were 8.3 ± 1.6 and 14.6 ± 1.4 points, respectively, indicating in a postoperative neurological improvement rate of approximately 91.6%. The average preoperative and final follow-up NDI scores were 12.62 ± 2.34 and 7.61 ± 1.23. CONCLUSIONS: The sagittal parameters of patients who underwent EODL extended to C1 and C2 included loss of cervical curvature, increased cervical anteversion and compensatory posterior extension of the upper cervical spine to maintain visual balance in the field of vision. However, the changes in cervical spine parameters were far less substantial than the alarm thresholds reported in previous studies. We believe that EODL extended to C1 and C2 for the treatment of patients with spinal canal stenosis in the upper cervical spine is a feasible and safe procedure with excellent outcomes.

Prenatal diagnosis of anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery branch by two-dimensional echocardiography: summary of 12 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To improve the prenatal diagnosis for anomalous origin of pulmonary artery branches by comparing and analyzing different types of fetal echocardiography features. METHODS: Between June 2012 and December 2018, fetal echocardiographic features were analyzed retrospectively from fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of anomalous origin of pulmonary artery branch. The main points of identification were summarized. RESULTS: A total of 12 fetuses were diagnosed, including anomalous origin of a pulmonary artery branch from the innominate artery and six cases with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery. The shared characteristic sonographic finding was the lack of confluence at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. The differences between the two conditions are highlighted by the origin of the anomalous vessel. In fetuses with anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery branch, the affected pulmonary artery arose from the posterior wall of the ascending aorta as noted on three vessels and trachea view as well as the long axis of the left ventricular outflow tract. This is in contrast to fetuses with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery, where the origin of affected pulmonary artery arises from the base of the innominate artery via the ipsilateral patent arterial duct as evident on the three vessels and trachea view and the coronal view of innominate (brachiocephalic) artery. CONCLUSION: (1) The main similarity is an absence of a confluence at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. (2) The main distinguishing feature is the origin of the anomalous vessel from either the subclavian or directly from the aorta.

[Research progress on chemical constituents from Artemisiae Argyi Folium and their pharmacological activities and quality control].

Artemisiae Argyi Folium is a traditional medicine commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). It contains volatile oil, flavones, phenylpropanoids, terpenes and other chemical constituents. It has the functions of antibacterial, antiviral, hemostasis, anti-tumor, liver protection, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, relieving cough and asthma and other pharmacological activities. At present, many useful researches on the quality of moxa floss and Artemisiae Argyi Folium have been carried out on the contents of volatile oil, flavones, phenylpropanoids, the storage time of Artemisiae Argyi Folium, the processing of moxa, the genuineness of Artemisiae Argyi Folium, and their heat release properties in combustion. This paper summarized the literature on the chemical composition, pharmacological activities and quality control of Artemisiae Argyi Folium and provided the basis for the further development and utilization of Artemisiae Argyi Folium.

[Comparison of therapeutic effect of moxibustion materials from different places and storage periods on knee osteoarthritis].

Osteoarthritis(OA) is a kind of osteoarticular degenerative disease. The most common joint involvement of OA is knee and hip joint. The incidence rate of OA increases with age. Meta analysis shows that moxibustion is superior to other therapies in treating knee osteoarthritis(KOA). In this study, the effects of moxibustion materials from different places of origin(Hubei Qichun, Henan Nanyang, Hunan) and storage periods(5, 3, 1 years) on knee osteoarthritis in rats were compared. The swelling degree of knee joint and the histopathology of knee joint cartilage were measured. The mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis was discussed from the perspective of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. The results showed that the swelling degree of knee joint in the moxibustion material group of Hubei Qichun and Henan Nanyang was significantly lower than that in the model group, the diffe-rence was statistically significant(P<0.05), and it was better than that in the moxibustion material group of Hunan Province; compared with the model group, the degeneration and pathological change of knee joint cartilage tissue in the moxibustion material group of different origins were alleviated to different degrees, the Mankin's score was significantly reduced, and that in the moxibustion material group of Qichun in Hubei Province and Nanyang in Henan Province was significantly reduced and better than Hunan moxibustion material group. The effect of moxibustion materials with different storage years on the swelling degree of osteoarthritis in rats was the earliest in Qichun 5-year group, and there was significant difference between Qichun 5-year group and model group after 3 days of treatment; the improvement of histopathological changes in Qichun 5-year and 3-year moxibustion materials group was better than that in Qichun 1-year moxibustion materials group. The study on the mechanism of action showed that moxibustion materials from different places could reduce the mRNA expression of ß-catenin, BMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 genes in knee cartilage, suggesting that moxibustion could inhibit cartilage base by regulating Wnt/ß-catenin signal pathway. It may be one of the mechanisms of moxibustion in the treatment of OA.

[Comparison of chemical components between Artemisia stolonifera and Artemisia argyi using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

The chemical component information of samples was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The leaves and flosses of Artemisia argyi and A. stolonifera from different places, were distinguished by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). Then, compounds with significant differences(P<0.01) in abundance were screened out according to their VIP values and t-test. Eighteen components in all samples have been filtered and identified, including flavonoids and chlorogenic acids, the content of the 12 of which were measured by UPLC-UV, which are different in presence and content. Hispidulin in A. argyi is not detected in A. stolonifera. Schaftaside, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C are differential compounds of A. argyi and A. stolonifera leaves. Isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C and jaceosidin are differential compounds of A. argyi and A. stolonifera floss. There are significant differences in the contents of jaceosidin and schaftoside in the four famous A. argyi. In addition, the content of isochlorogenic acid A in wild A. stolonifera is higher than that in cultivated A. stolonifera. The results of the study successfully clarified the differences between A. stolonifera and A. argyi, and provided theoretical and data references for the further development and utilization of A. stolonifera.

[Textual research on traditional Chinese medicine Jiuniucao].

Jiuniucao in Qizhou, known as "Qiai", was precious and expensive in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. But the authentic plant of Jiuniucao is not mentioned in the Ben Cao Tu Jing and other medical books in the Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties. In history, mugwort leaf originates from many species of plants, Jiuniucao may be one of it. So this paper is to identify the original plant of Jiuniucao and clarify the historical origin of Jiuniucao and mugwort leaf. The textual research and geographical origin analysis of Jiuniucao in ancient literature was conducted. Then field investigation and sampling of Jiuniucao in Qizhou was proceeded, combing with feature comparison of Jiuniucao and Artemisia specimen in the Herbarium of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The study concluded that A. stolonifera is the authentic Jiuniucao for medical use. Jiuniucao was also an important original plant of mugwort leaf and it is worth further development and utilization.

[Thermodynamic characteristics of moxa floss and its biological effects and therapeutic mechanism on osteoarthritis rats].

Moxa floss is the main material of moxibustion, which plays a therapeutic role through the thermal effect of combustion. In this paper, TG/DSC thermal analysis method was used to study the characteristic parameters of combustion heat of moxa floss produced in Qichun, and the thermal therapeutic effect and mechanism of moxibustion were studied through moxibustion OA animal model. The results show that the combustion process of moxa floss can be divided into three stages: drying, combustion oxidation and carbonization, and ash burnout. The combustion properties of moxa floss are between herbaceous and woody, and tend to be woody, with flammable, slow and lasting combustion characteristics. Moxibustion can relieve the pathological state of knee joint synovium to a certain extent, reduce knee joint swelling and blood stasis in OA rats, reduce interstitial edema, and improve local inflammation. The mechanism and target point of moxibustion treatment for OA may be up-regulating TRPM3 gene to activate ion channels, affecting calcium metabolism and reducing OA swelling degree; down-regulation of GAPDH affects glucose metabolism of knee synovial cells and mediates anti-inflammatory effect. Down-regulation of pain-related gene MMP24 is helpful to relieve OA pain. Up-regulation of CTNNB1 activates Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and affects differentiation and regeneration of OA chondrocytes. This study reveals the pyrolysis characteristics of moxa floss for the first time and discusses the biological effect and possible mechanism of moxibustion heat, providing new ideas for the quality evaluation of moxa floss and the mechanism of moxibustion therapy.

Chinese Trauma Surgeon Association for management guidelines of vacuum sealing drainage application in abdominal surgeries-Update and systematic review.

Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) is frequently used in abdominal surgeries. However, relevant guidelines are rare. Chinese Trauma Surgeon Association organized a committee composed of 28 experts across China in July 2017, aiming to provide an evidence-based recommendation for the application of VSD in abdominal surgeries. Eleven questions regarding the use of VSD in abdominal surgeries were addressed: (1) which type of materials should be respectively chosen for the intraperitoneal cavity, retroperitoneal cavity and superficial incisions? (2) Can VSD be preventively used for a high-risk abdominal incision with primary suture? (3) Can VSD be used in severely contaminated/infected abdominal surgical sites? (4) Can VSD be used for temporary abdominal cavity closure under some special conditions such as severe abdominal trauma, infection, liver transplantation and intra-abdominal volume increment in abdominal compartment syndrome? (5) Can VSD be used in abdominal organ inflammation, injury, or postoperative drainage? (6) Can VSD be used in the treatment of intestinal fistula and pancreatic fistula? (7) Can VSD be used in the treatment of intra-abdominal and extra-peritoneal abscess? (8) Can VSD be used in the treatment of abdominal wall wounds, wound cavity, and defects? (9) Does VSD increase the risk of bleeding? (10) Does VSD increase the risk of intestinal wall injury? (11) Does VSD increase the risk of peritoneal adhesion? Focusing on these questions, evidence-based recommendations were given accordingly. VSD was strongly recommended regarding the questions 2-4. Weak recommendations were made regarding questions 1 and 5-11. Proper use of VSD in abdominal surgeries can lower the risk of infection in abdominal incisions with primary suture, treat severely contaminated/infected surgical sites and facilitate temporary abdominal cavity closure.

Interleukin-1ß induces apoptosis in annulus fibrosus cells through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway.

PURPOSE: The loss of intervertebral disc (IVD) cells due to excessive apoptosis induced by inflammatory cytokines is a major cause of IVD degeneration. This study aims to explore the mechanism of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß)-induced apoptosis of annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs). It's hypothesized that IL-1ß induces apoptosis through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in AFCs. METHODS: The mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-associated genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. The apoptotic rate was measured by flow cytometry. Three experimental groups were established, including Control, IL-1ß, and IL-1ß+U0126 groups, respectively. RESULTS: Increase in the expression of apoptosis-associated genes including B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X (Bax), caspase-3, and caspase-9, and meanwhile, decrease in the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene were found in patients with degenerative IVDs. In in vitro tests, both apoptosis and phosphorylated ERK expression in rat AFCs decreased in the IL-1ß+U0126 group compared with the IL-1ß group. The expression levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in AFCs decreased significantly in the IL-1ß+U0126 group compared with those in the IL-1ß group. The expression level of Bcl-2, on the other hand, significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study suggest that IL-1ß induces apoptosis in AFCs through the ERK pathway, and therefore, ERK inhibition may provide certain protection against the adverse effects of IL-1ß.